Woman Found in Mexico Not Missing Arizona Woman, Police Confirm
Yavapai County Sheriff's Office states physical evidence determined the individual discovered in Tijuana was not Shayna Feinman.
Authorities have confirmed that a woman found alive in Mexico is not Shayna Feinman, an Arizona woman who disappeared over two years ago. The Yavapai County Sheriff's Office announced Tuesday that U.S. authorities confirmed to detectives that the woman discovered in Tijuana was not Feinman, who vanished on March 9, 2024, at the age of 38.
The sheriff's office stated that physical evidence was used to reach this conclusion, but did not provide further details. Detectives are continuing to work with Feinman's family, who have been awaiting confirmation of her identity. A reward of $20,000 remains available for information regarding Feinman's whereabouts.
Feinman, from Yavapai, disappeared while walking to a friend's house in the Peach Springs and Hyde Park area near Seligman, Arizona. Police previously found her cell phone and other belongings at a nearby property, prompting her family to search for answers. Police had charged her then-boyfriend, Cavett Richards, with murder and concealment of a body, though her remains were never found. These charges were later dismissed in January 2025.
Officials in Tijuana reported finding the woman on October 23, stating her characteristics matched those of the missing person. The Tijuana Municipal Security and Protection Service (SSPCM) said the woman was found in the Encino neighborhood and, after confirming her identity, provided her with protection and moved her to a safe location to facilitate contact with consular authorities and her family.
Shayna's sister, Kara Feinman, had previously expressed that without official confirmation, it was difficult to be certain, noting that many people share similar physical characteristics. She stated her hope for good news but emphasized the need for realism and a calm approach.
Investigators are seeking more information regarding the cause of Feinman's disappearance and how she ended up in Mexico. Detectives recovered her cell phone on a nearby property and noted that individuals last seen with Shayna were not cooperating with the investigation at the time. The Yavapai County Sheriff's Office previously announced probable cause to charge Richards and William DalCerro with second-degree murder, conspiracy, and concealment of a dead body, though murder charges against both men were dismissed in January 2025. Feinman's family had previously visited the area where she was last seen, walking the ground themselves and reuniting with their dog.